Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine
in favor of LR 2721,
“An Act Related to the Report of the Tax Expenditure Review Task Force”
January 22, 2014

Senator Hill, Representative Rotundo and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs, my name is Nancy Smith and I live in Monmouth. I am the Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine. We are a statewide non-profit organization working to create a robust economy, vibrant communities and a healthy environment for generations to come through advocacy, education, projects and strategic partnerships.

I am writing to support the proposal outlined in LR 2721. The potential cut to revenue sharing of $40 million for FY2015 must not move forward. Having attended several meetings of the Tax Expenditure Task Force, I know there are no simple solutions on this issue. But this bill offers a valid solution.

This morning I listened to testimony on this bill from Senate President Justin Alfond and Maine Municipal Association President Peter Nielsen. I can’t add much to the wisdom of their words, but I do want to add our voice in support of their points.

I can say that GrowSmart Maine does our best work through local-level engagement. As we work with Maine communities, it is clear that towns can do little more than provide the most basic municipal services to their citizens. Their resources are already stretched too far and the $40 million cut to revenue sharing simply doesn’t make sense. LR 2721 offers a better option.